There are a few different types of interviews. Hopefully the following will help explain the types that you may encounter.
- Regional Interview: Some institutions have regional interviews
(e.g. New York City). In all cases, it is better to have your interview on
the school campus; they get to see you and you get to see the institution.
- Informal Interview: The person interviewing you makes you
feel relaxed and serves coffee and doughnuts. You may meet with several interviewers
at a time.
- Pressure Interview: Very, very rarely, interviews are set up to see how you act under pressure. Your interviewer may say that he/she has lost your file (you can then produce a copy of your application and essay) or the telephone may ring frequently during the interview, or you may be asked to open a window that is permanently stuck, etc.
The vast majority of interviewers are supportive, but almost every premedical/predental student has one terrible interview. On the other hand, students sometimes find that the school at which they feel they have had a poor experience will accept them. Please bear this in mind. Also, when visiting a school, be very considerate and friendly to the secretaries. They can significantly influence the decision making process.
After your interview, we strongly recommend sending your interviewer(s) a Thank You Note. Our office also keeps a list of alumni who are presently attending health professions graduate schools. If you have an interview, feel free to check whether we have any B.C. graduates attending that school.